Pittsburgh, PA: (Jan-04-08) A class action lawsuit was brought against Highmark Inc. over the way the company handled business with doctors. The suit also covered claims that were filed in 2003 against Blue Cross Blue Shield plans nationwide. Sources stated that the suit against Highmark included more than 90 percent of the Blue Cross plans and other big insurers. As part of a settlement reached, the company agreed to pay $9.9 million and change business practices to resolve allegations.
The payout is said to compensate some 900,000 doctors who claimed Highmark had shortchanged them in reimbursement for services from 1999 through 2007. Sources close to the case stated that the agreement with Highmark was reached in November, and doctors have until Jan. 14 to object or opt out of the settlement. The deadline for claims is Feb. 27, 2008 and a hearing on the terms will be held Feb. 11 in Miami. The amount each doctor will receive is dependent on a number of factors; including the amount Highmark was billed. [
